Southampton's World Cup hopeful Adam Lallana gives England options

The one thing that always seemed as if it might hold Adam Lallana back could be about to prove a crucial strength.

Lallana has always been a mercurial talent, a player with amazing touch, quality on the ball and vision.

As he has matured physically and mentally, he has added strength, extra pace, direct running and composure in front of goal too.

They are all the kind of attributes you would look for in a footballer who can thrive not only at Premier League level but also in the international arena.

However, ever since his formative years, there has always been an elephant in the room when it comes to talking about Lallana’s top level chances. It would be remarkable if that supposed issue now plays into his hands and helps him land a World Cup place with England.

The big question over whether Lallana would really make it at the highest levels was always asked, because some viewed it as tough to fit him into a team.

It’s not like Luke Shaw, for example. He is a left back, most teams play with a left back, his position is defined and obvious.

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Lallana’s role has always been far more ambiguous.

When he was coming through the ranks at Saints, the youth and reserve teams made a special exception for him.

It is normal these days that the lower rungs at a club play the same style and formation as the first team.

The logic is pretty obvious – that if you get the youngsters and the reserves used to it then it is easier for them to progress through and integrate quickly and successfully into the first team.

That plan was abandoned for Lallana.

The youth coaches of the day, who deserve so much of the credit for the player he has become, built a team around him.

Lallana’s talents dictated that he shouldn’t be tied down to a fixed position and so, more often than not, he was allowed to play in the hole behind a front two.

That always allowed him to drift into space to collect the ball, to create for others and to get into goalscoring positions himself.

Anybody who watched him at that level would have to admit that he was quite brilliant at it.

There was always a nagging doubt, though – just how would he integrate into a first team?

It was never a question over his ability, or even his mental strength.

It was purely about how you slide him in.

Here he was, just a promising teenager with loads of ability but no first team experience, and as a manager you were faced with either trying to force him into a role that didn’t look as if it would suit him or build an entire side around him.

With all due respect, few managers would be likely to try and create a team around one young player who was largely untried.

Lallana though emerged just at the right time.

He had announced his arrival with a goal at West Brom as Nigel Pearson helped steer Saints to Championship safety, and then entered Jan Poortvliet and Mark Wotte.

At that time Saints were struggling financially and were intent on building a side around their young players, and hoping that was enough to keep them up once again.

Suddenly, Lallana was a jewel in the crown, and with the ethos and infrastructure at the club as it was then the side was being built around his mercurial talents as much as it could be allowing for what else there was to pick from at that time.

It was an important season for Lallana, who got the chance to establish himself.

As the years rolled on, so it got easier for a manager to justify playing Lallana wherever he saw fit.

The only time he really got pigeonholed anywhere was as Saints won back-to-back promotions.

Lallana was largely used a left sided midfielder in a 4-4-2, albeit he played it in an unconventional way.

As soon as Saints were back in the top flight, the formation changed to the 4-2-3-1 and Lallana was given even more licence to roam, the shackles lifted by the fact you had to be more creative than strictly disciplined as had been the case lower down.

Since then, Lallana has proven he has what it takes to be the focal point of a side. Now 25, and with proven match-winning tendencies, a manager would consider building a team around him.

That is exactly what Roy Hodgson must now be contemplating ahead of the World Cup.

The England manager doesn’t appear to have totally settled on a starting formation or line-up for the first game in Brazil just yet, but Lallana is certainly at the forefront of his thoughts.

And, as Hodgson surely considers his inclusion would be for those magically brilliant creative moments Lallana can deliver, he would want to accommodate him in whatever role he thought he would most likely thrive.

England could go with a 4-2-3-1 type formation, as played by Saints, in which case Daniel Sturridge might well lead the attack with Wayne Rooney in behind, Lallana on the left side and possibly raw pace in the shape of Raheem Sterling or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the other.

Certainly that looks better than the 4-3-3 type formation Hodgson used against Denmark, which was ineffective in the first half and in which Rooney, a nailed on starter if fit, does not look comfortable.

Even if Hodgson did go with that formation with Rooney the more advanced, then Lallana can play one side and Sturridge the other, giving the option of going to two up front with a player in behind in a throwback to those youth days if required.

Lallana could even occupy one of the deeper three midfield roles, with Steven Gerrard providing the anchoring midfield role and leaving him to attack. There is little doubt, though, that 4-2-3-1 suits Lallana and England far better.

No matter what way you look at it, you can make a case for getting Lallana into a role in which he can enjoy freedom enough to thrive.

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Experience and proven top level match winning capabilities have meant that the problems Lallana initially faced in just trying to become a first team regular at a lower league club side might be what helps him play in a World Cup finals for his country.

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Comments (26)

Driving into work this morning listening to talksport. They started a feature saying "every time we pin our world cup hopes on a player he gets injured" turns out they were talking about Jack Wiltshire!! Thought I was hearing things but NO they were talking about Wiltshire being the man to carry England in Brazil!! Personally I don't rate him for England and think he's over-rated even for Arsenal. In the friendly on Wednesday he was terrible. They were also saying the tackle from Agger was awful. I couldn't see anything wrong with it. His first touch made the ball 50/50 there for the taking and from the replays Wiltshire kick Agger's studs after Agger had taken the ball. Sometime wonder what games these "presenters" live in. I know I'm biased but I'd rather see Adam in the starting line-up over Wiltshire. He brings something different and unpredictable to the team. The opposition won't know how to deal with it. Just my thoughts.

Driving into work this morning listening to talksport. They started a feature saying "every time we pin our world cup hopes on a player he gets injured" turns out they were talking about Jack Wiltshire!! Thought I was hearing things but NO they were talking about Wiltshire being the man to carry England in Brazil!!
Personally I don't rate him for England and think he's over-rated even for Arsenal. In the friendly on Wednesday he was terrible.
They were also saying the tackle from Agger was awful. I couldn't see anything wrong with it. His first touch made the ball 50/50 there for the taking and from the replays Wiltshire kick Agger's studs after Agger had taken the ball. Sometime wonder what games these "presenters" live in.
I know I'm biased but I'd rather see Adam in the starting line-up over Wiltshire. He brings something different and unpredictable to the team. The opposition won't know how to deal with it.
Just my thoughts.SFC4EVA

Driving into work this morning listening to talksport. They started a feature saying "every time we pin our world cup hopes on a player he gets injured" turns out they were talking about Jack Wiltshire!! Thought I was hearing things but NO they were talking about Wiltshire being the man to carry England in Brazil!! Personally I don't rate him for England and think he's over-rated even for Arsenal. In the friendly on Wednesday he was terrible. They were also saying the tackle from Agger was awful. I couldn't see anything wrong with it. His first touch made the ball 50/50 there for the taking and from the replays Wiltshire kick Agger's studs after Agger had taken the ball. Sometime wonder what games these "presenters" live in. I know I'm biased but I'd rather see Adam in the starting line-up over Wiltshire. He brings something different and unpredictable to the team. The opposition won't know how to deal with it. Just my thoughts.

Score: 38

Saintsayer II says...8:16am Fri 7 Mar 14

SFC4EVA wrote…

Driving into work this morning listening to talksport. They started a feature saying "every time we pin our world cup hopes on a player he gets injured" turns out they were talking about Jack Wiltshire!! Thought I was hearing things but NO they were talking about Wiltshire being the man to carry England in Brazil!! Personally I don't rate him for England and think he's over-rated even for Arsenal. In the friendly on Wednesday he was terrible. They were also saying the tackle from Agger was awful. I couldn't see anything wrong with it. His first touch made the ball 50/50 there for the taking and from the replays Wiltshire kick Agger's studs after Agger had taken the ball. Sometime wonder what games these "presenters" live in. I know I'm biased but I'd rather see Adam in the starting line-up over Wiltshire. He brings something different and unpredictable to the team. The opposition won't know how to deal with it. Just my thoughts.

And I thought it was only me that didn't rate him

[quote][p][bold]SFC4EVA[/bold] wrote:
Driving into work this morning listening to talksport. They started a feature saying "every time we pin our world cup hopes on a player he gets injured" turns out they were talking about Jack Wiltshire!! Thought I was hearing things but NO they were talking about Wiltshire being the man to carry England in Brazil!!
Personally I don't rate him for England and think he's over-rated even for Arsenal. In the friendly on Wednesday he was terrible.
They were also saying the tackle from Agger was awful. I couldn't see anything wrong with it. His first touch made the ball 50/50 there for the taking and from the replays Wiltshire kick Agger's studs after Agger had taken the ball. Sometime wonder what games these "presenters" live in.
I know I'm biased but I'd rather see Adam in the starting line-up over Wiltshire. He brings something different and unpredictable to the team. The opposition won't know how to deal with it.
Just my thoughts.[/p][/quote]And I thought it was only me that didn't rate himSaintsayer II

SFC4EVA wrote…

Driving into work this morning listening to talksport. They started a feature saying "every time we pin our world cup hopes on a player he gets injured" turns out they were talking about Jack Wiltshire!! Thought I was hearing things but NO they were talking about Wiltshire being the man to carry England in Brazil!! Personally I don't rate him for England and think he's over-rated even for Arsenal. In the friendly on Wednesday he was terrible. They were also saying the tackle from Agger was awful. I couldn't see anything wrong with it. His first touch made the ball 50/50 there for the taking and from the replays Wiltshire kick Agger's studs after Agger had taken the ball. Sometime wonder what games these "presenters" live in. I know I'm biased but I'd rather see Adam in the starting line-up over Wiltshire. He brings something different and unpredictable to the team. The opposition won't know how to deal with it. Just my thoughts.

And I thought it was only me that didn't rate him

Score: 28

SFC4EVA says...8:27am Fri 7 Mar 14

Saintsayer II wrote…

SFC4EVA wrote…

Driving into work this morning listening to talksport. They started a feature saying "every time we pin our world cup hopes on a player he gets injured" turns out they were talking about Jack Wiltshire!! Thought I was hearing things but NO they were talking about Wiltshire being the man to carry England in Brazil!! Personally I don't rate him for England and think he's over-rated even for Arsenal. In the friendly on Wednesday he was terrible. They were also saying the tackle from Agger was awful. I couldn't see anything wrong with it. His first touch made the ball 50/50 there for the taking and from the replays Wiltshire kick Agger's studs after Agger had taken the ball. Sometime wonder what games these "presenters" live in. I know I'm biased but I'd rather see Adam in the starting line-up over Wiltshire. He brings something different and unpredictable to the team. The opposition won't know how to deal with it. Just my thoughts.

And I thought it was only me that didn't rate him

@saintsayer II....no no, you're not the only one. I know a lot of people that don't rate him (and they're not all Saints fans!).

[quote][p][bold]Saintsayer II[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]SFC4EVA[/bold] wrote:
Driving into work this morning listening to talksport. They started a feature saying "every time we pin our world cup hopes on a player he gets injured" turns out they were talking about Jack Wiltshire!! Thought I was hearing things but NO they were talking about Wiltshire being the man to carry England in Brazil!!
Personally I don't rate him for England and think he's over-rated even for Arsenal. In the friendly on Wednesday he was terrible.
They were also saying the tackle from Agger was awful. I couldn't see anything wrong with it. His first touch made the ball 50/50 there for the taking and from the replays Wiltshire kick Agger's studs after Agger had taken the ball. Sometime wonder what games these "presenters" live in.
I know I'm biased but I'd rather see Adam in the starting line-up over Wiltshire. He brings something different and unpredictable to the team. The opposition won't know how to deal with it.
Just my thoughts.[/p][/quote]And I thought it was only me that didn't rate him[/p][/quote]@saintsayer II....no no, you're not the only one. I know a lot of people that don't rate him (and they're not all Saints fans!).SFC4EVA

Saintsayer II wrote…

SFC4EVA wrote…

Driving into work this morning listening to talksport. They started a feature saying "every time we pin our world cup hopes on a player he gets injured" turns out they were talking about Jack Wiltshire!! Thought I was hearing things but NO they were talking about Wiltshire being the man to carry England in Brazil!! Personally I don't rate him for England and think he's over-rated even for Arsenal. In the friendly on Wednesday he was terrible. They were also saying the tackle from Agger was awful. I couldn't see anything wrong with it. His first touch made the ball 50/50 there for the taking and from the replays Wiltshire kick Agger's studs after Agger had taken the ball. Sometime wonder what games these "presenters" live in. I know I'm biased but I'd rather see Adam in the starting line-up over Wiltshire. He brings something different and unpredictable to the team. The opposition won't know how to deal with it. Just my thoughts.

And I thought it was only me that didn't rate him

@saintsayer II....no no, you're not the only one. I know a lot of people that don't rate him (and they're not all Saints fans!).

Score: 16

Clever Dick says...8:49am Fri 7 Mar 14

Adam certainly does give Woy options. He can go for the same old tried and failed options or he can go for quality. Over to you Woy.

Adam certainly does give Woy options. He can go for the same old tried and failed options or he can go for quality. Over to you Woy.Clever Dick

Adam certainly does give Woy options. He can go for the same old tried and failed options or he can go for quality. Over to you Woy.

Score: 14

killared says...8:53am Fri 7 Mar 14

@SFC4EVA My Brothers is an Arsenal fan he even say that he doesn't do much for the team and rather see Rosicky instead of Wilshere ! Says it all really but I believe Wilshere will be on the plane because he's playing for Arsenal and got injured for England.

@SFC4EVA
My Brothers is an Arsenal fan he even say that he doesn't do much for the team and rather see Rosicky instead of Wilshere ! Says it all really but I believe Wilshere will be on the plane because he's playing for Arsenal and got injured for England.killared

@SFC4EVA My Brothers is an Arsenal fan he even say that he doesn't do much for the team and rather see Rosicky instead of Wilshere ! Says it all really but I believe Wilshere will be on the plane because he's playing for Arsenal and got injured for England.

Score: 10

Puddletown Saint says...8:55am Fri 7 Mar 14

This is an honest view held by many true England fans. If the likes of Smalling Cleverly Welbeck were playing for a Stoke or a Hull they would not even get a look in. And then Woy must play players in their best position. Sturridge is a goal scorer - play him up top and not a winger !! As for Rooney - well he is the Pietersen of English football. IMHO you play Sterling and Adam off of Sturridge - Barkley and Cork providing the energy for Gerrard in midfield and let the old boys of Lampard and Cole no where near Brazil. Any way 3-1 on Saturday with our England boys back on fire. COYR.

This is an honest view held by many true England fans. If the likes of Smalling Cleverly Welbeck were playing for a Stoke or a Hull they would not even get a look in.
And then Woy must play players in their best position. Sturridge is a goal scorer - play him up top and not a winger !! As for Rooney - well he is the Pietersen of English football.
IMHO you play Sterling and Adam off of Sturridge - Barkley and Cork providing the energy for Gerrard in midfield and let the old boys of Lampard and Cole no where near Brazil.
Any way 3-1 on Saturday with our England boys back on fire. COYR.Puddletown Saint

This is an honest view held by many true England fans. If the likes of Smalling Cleverly Welbeck were playing for a Stoke or a Hull they would not even get a look in. And then Woy must play players in their best position. Sturridge is a goal scorer - play him up top and not a winger !! As for Rooney - well he is the Pietersen of English football. IMHO you play Sterling and Adam off of Sturridge - Barkley and Cork providing the energy for Gerrard in midfield and let the old boys of Lampard and Cole no where near Brazil. Any way 3-1 on Saturday with our England boys back on fire. COYR.

Score: 14

Santa Retfordia says...9:19am Fri 7 Mar 14

Options? For me that's the one thing Adam DOESN'T give England. He gives them no option whatsoever but to pick him in the starting 11 and tell him to go out there and smash it. With Gerrard spraying long balls from the back and Adam working his short-range magic up front then we've got half a shout of making it through the group stages. If Wilshere gets the nod ahead of him then Roy is an imbecile.

Options? For me that's the one thing Adam DOESN'T give England. He gives them no option whatsoever but to pick him in the starting 11 and tell him to go out there and smash it. With Gerrard spraying long balls from the back and Adam working his short-range magic up front then we've got half a shout of making it through the group stages.
If Wilshere gets the nod ahead of him then Roy is an imbecile.Santa Retfordia

Options? For me that's the one thing Adam DOESN'T give England. He gives them no option whatsoever but to pick him in the starting 11 and tell him to go out there and smash it. With Gerrard spraying long balls from the back and Adam working his short-range magic up front then we've got half a shout of making it through the group stages. If Wilshere gets the nod ahead of him then Roy is an imbecile.

Score: 11

el caballo santos101 says...9:36am Fri 7 Mar 14

Saintsayer II wrote…

SFC4EVA wrote…

Driving into work this morning listening to talksport. They started a feature saying "every time we pin our world cup hopes on a player he gets injured" turns out they were talking about Jack Wiltshire!! Thought I was hearing things but NO they were talking about Wiltshire being the man to carry England in Brazil!! Personally I don't rate him for England and think he's over-rated even for Arsenal. In the friendly on Wednesday he was terrible. They were also saying the tackle from Agger was awful. I couldn't see anything wrong with it. His first touch made the ball 50/50 there for the taking and from the replays Wiltshire kick Agger's studs after Agger had taken the ball. Sometime wonder what games these "presenters" live in. I know I'm biased but I'd rather see Adam in the starting line-up over Wiltshire. He brings something different and unpredictable to the team. The opposition won't know how to deal with it. Just my thoughts.

And I thought it was only me that didn't rate him

Too injury prone and lightweight. Rarely completes 90mins for England and gets picked because he plays for arsenil. For me there is absolutely no comparison between lallahad and Wilshire, I wouldn't even take Wilshire to Brazil, you could see the difference in the side after he went off and lalla came on!

[quote][p][bold]Saintsayer II[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]SFC4EVA[/bold] wrote:
Driving into work this morning listening to talksport. They started a feature saying "every time we pin our world cup hopes on a player he gets injured" turns out they were talking about Jack Wiltshire!! Thought I was hearing things but NO they were talking about Wiltshire being the man to carry England in Brazil!!
Personally I don't rate him for England and think he's over-rated even for Arsenal. In the friendly on Wednesday he was terrible.
They were also saying the tackle from Agger was awful. I couldn't see anything wrong with it. His first touch made the ball 50/50 there for the taking and from the replays Wiltshire kick Agger's studs after Agger had taken the ball. Sometime wonder what games these "presenters" live in.
I know I'm biased but I'd rather see Adam in the starting line-up over Wiltshire. He brings something different and unpredictable to the team. The opposition won't know how to deal with it.
Just my thoughts.[/p][/quote]And I thought it was only me that didn't rate him[/p][/quote]Too injury prone and lightweight. Rarely completes 90mins for England and gets picked because he plays for arsenil. For me there is absolutely no comparison between lallahad and Wilshire, I wouldn't even take Wilshire to Brazil, you could see the difference in the side after he went off and lalla came on!el caballo santos101

Saintsayer II wrote…

SFC4EVA wrote…

Driving into work this morning listening to talksport. They started a feature saying "every time we pin our world cup hopes on a player he gets injured" turns out they were talking about Jack Wiltshire!! Thought I was hearing things but NO they were talking about Wiltshire being the man to carry England in Brazil!! Personally I don't rate him for England and think he's over-rated even for Arsenal. In the friendly on Wednesday he was terrible. They were also saying the tackle from Agger was awful. I couldn't see anything wrong with it. His first touch made the ball 50/50 there for the taking and from the replays Wiltshire kick Agger's studs after Agger had taken the ball. Sometime wonder what games these "presenters" live in. I know I'm biased but I'd rather see Adam in the starting line-up over Wiltshire. He brings something different and unpredictable to the team. The opposition won't know how to deal with it. Just my thoughts.

And I thought it was only me that didn't rate him

Too injury prone and lightweight. Rarely completes 90mins for England and gets picked because he plays for arsenil. For me there is absolutely no comparison between lallahad and Wilshire, I wouldn't even take Wilshire to Brazil, you could see the difference in the side after he went off and lalla came on!

Score: 4

Dave Juson says...9:37am Fri 7 Mar 14

I do believe that what Mr Leitch is trying to explain, with much circumlocution to avoid admitting the Saints Academy is both exemplary and exceptional , is that Mauricio Pochettino’s tactics, including Adam Lallana’s role within his team, are similar to the system played by Jan Poortvliet. It would be interesting to know who “[t]he youth coaches of the day, who deserve so much of the credit for the player he [Adam] has become” actually were; and why Leitch believes they are unworthy of mention?

I do believe that what Mr Leitch is trying to explain, with much circumlocution to avoid admitting the Saints Academy is both exemplary and exceptional , is that Mauricio Pochettino’s tactics, including Adam Lallana’s role within his team, are similar to the system played by Jan Poortvliet.
It would be interesting to know who “[t]he youth coaches of the day, who deserve so much of the credit for the player he [Adam] has become” actually were; and why Leitch believes they are unworthy of mention?Dave Juson

I do believe that what Mr Leitch is trying to explain, with much circumlocution to avoid admitting the Saints Academy is both exemplary and exceptional , is that Mauricio Pochettino’s tactics, including Adam Lallana’s role within his team, are similar to the system played by Jan Poortvliet. It would be interesting to know who “[t]he youth coaches of the day, who deserve so much of the credit for the player he [Adam] has become” actually were; and why Leitch believes they are unworthy of mention?

Score: 4

Confucious says...10:14am Fri 7 Mar 14

Dave Juson wrote…

I do believe that what Mr Leitch is trying to explain, with much circumlocution to avoid admitting the Saints Academy is both exemplary and exceptional , is that Mauricio Pochettino’s tactics, including Adam Lallana’s role within his team, are similar to the system played by Jan Poortvliet. It would be interesting to know who “[t]he youth coaches of the day, who deserve so much of the credit for the player he [Adam] has become” actually were; and why Leitch believes they are unworthy of mention?

Agreed. Indeed I am rather annoyed that this article has not mentioned "Big Fat George" who, as I explained to Mr Leitch via a recent e mail, played a crucial role in Adam Lallana's development. Big Fat George sits two rows behind me in the Kingsland. He's very mouthy indeed and I distinctly recall this being displayed at a home match against Plymouth in the ill-fated 2008/9 season. Adam was ****-footying around a lot and kept getting pushed off the ball and then laying on the grass seething with self-pity and looking for a foul, which was never awarded. Anyhow, on one such occasion, Big Fat George, albeit clearly the worse for several pints, ran down to the pitchside barrier and with his booming voice shouted at Adam: "Lallana - get your fukcing thumb out your @rse yer dozy tw@t-faced useless wet lump of sh!te." I thought at the time, this particular analysis of Adam's performance and this robust style of exhortation for improvement was very unlikely to help the lad. However, he improved very markedly afterwards in that match and quite frankly has not looked back since. I think that, although we have a very sophisticated back-up team at our Academy including sports psychologists, their coaching advice is often too complex and ambiguous to be absorbed by young minds. I think that by adding Big Fat George to the coaching team some issues with the young players could be better and more effectively communicated.

[quote][p][bold]Dave Juson[/bold] wrote:
I do believe that what Mr Leitch is trying to explain, with much circumlocution to avoid admitting the Saints Academy is both exemplary and exceptional , is that Mauricio Pochettino’s tactics, including Adam Lallana’s role within his team, are similar to the system played by Jan Poortvliet.
It would be interesting to know who “[t]he youth coaches of the day, who deserve so much of the credit for the player he [Adam] has become” actually were; and why Leitch believes they are unworthy of mention?[/p][/quote]Agreed. Indeed I am rather annoyed that this article has not mentioned "Big Fat George" who, as I explained to Mr Leitch via a recent e mail, played a crucial role in Adam Lallana's development.
Big Fat George sits two rows behind me in the Kingsland. He's very mouthy indeed and I distinctly recall this being displayed at a home match against Plymouth in the ill-fated 2008/9 season. Adam was ****-footying around a lot and kept getting pushed off the ball and then laying on the grass seething with self-pity and looking for a foul, which was never awarded.
Anyhow, on one such occasion, Big Fat George, albeit clearly the worse for several pints, ran down to the pitchside barrier and with his booming voice shouted at Adam: "Lallana - get your fukcing thumb out your @rse yer dozy tw@t-faced useless wet lump of sh!te."
I thought at the time, this particular analysis of Adam's performance and this robust style of exhortation for improvement was very unlikely to help the lad. However, he improved very markedly afterwards in that match and quite frankly has not looked back since.
I think that, although we have a very sophisticated back-up team at our Academy including sports psychologists, their coaching advice is often too complex and ambiguous to be absorbed by young minds. I think that by adding Big Fat George to the coaching team some issues with the young players could be better and more effectively communicated.Confucious

Dave Juson wrote…

I do believe that what Mr Leitch is trying to explain, with much circumlocution to avoid admitting the Saints Academy is both exemplary and exceptional , is that Mauricio Pochettino’s tactics, including Adam Lallana’s role within his team, are similar to the system played by Jan Poortvliet. It would be interesting to know who “[t]he youth coaches of the day, who deserve so much of the credit for the player he [Adam] has become” actually were; and why Leitch believes they are unworthy of mention?

Agreed. Indeed I am rather annoyed that this article has not mentioned "Big Fat George" who, as I explained to Mr Leitch via a recent e mail, played a crucial role in Adam Lallana's development. Big Fat George sits two rows behind me in the Kingsland. He's very mouthy indeed and I distinctly recall this being displayed at a home match against Plymouth in the ill-fated 2008/9 season. Adam was ****-footying around a lot and kept getting pushed off the ball and then laying on the grass seething with self-pity and looking for a foul, which was never awarded. Anyhow, on one such occasion, Big Fat George, albeit clearly the worse for several pints, ran down to the pitchside barrier and with his booming voice shouted at Adam: "Lallana - get your fukcing thumb out your @rse yer dozy tw@t-faced useless wet lump of sh!te." I thought at the time, this particular analysis of Adam's performance and this robust style of exhortation for improvement was very unlikely to help the lad. However, he improved very markedly afterwards in that match and quite frankly has not looked back since. I think that, although we have a very sophisticated back-up team at our Academy including sports psychologists, their coaching advice is often too complex and ambiguous to be absorbed by young minds. I think that by adding Big Fat George to the coaching team some issues with the young players could be better and more effectively communicated.

Score: 10

ToastyTea says...10:23am Fri 7 Mar 14

No, the 1 reason why he has previously been overlooked is because he plays for Saints and not one of the big clubs.

No, the 1 reason why he has previously been overlooked is because he plays for Saints and not one of the big clubs.ToastyTea

No, the 1 reason why he has previously been overlooked is because he plays for Saints and not one of the big clubs.

Score: 12

Dave Juson says...10:54am Fri 7 Mar 14

Confucious wrote…

Dave Juson wrote…

I do believe that what Mr Leitch is trying to explain, with much circumlocution to avoid admitting the Saints Academy is both exemplary and exceptional , is that Mauricio Pochettino’s tactics, including Adam Lallana’s role within his team, are similar to the system played by Jan Poortvliet. It would be interesting to know who “[t]he youth coaches of the day, who deserve so much of the credit for the player he [Adam] has become” actually were; and why Leitch believes they are unworthy of mention?

Agreed. Indeed I am rather annoyed that this article has not mentioned "Big Fat George" who, as I explained to Mr Leitch via a recent e mail, played a crucial role in Adam Lallana's development. Big Fat George sits two rows behind me in the Kingsland. He's very mouthy indeed and I distinctly recall this being displayed at a home match against Plymouth in the ill-fated 2008/9 season. Adam was ****-footying around a lot and kept getting pushed off the ball and then laying on the grass seething with self-pity and looking for a foul, which was never awarded. Anyhow, on one such occasion, Big Fat George, albeit clearly the worse for several pints, ran down to the pitchside barrier and with his booming voice shouted at Adam: "Lallana - get your fukcing thumb out your @rse yer dozy tw@t-faced useless wet lump of sh!te." I thought at the time, this particular analysis of Adam's performance and this robust style of exhortation for improvement was very unlikely to help the lad. However, he improved very markedly afterwards in that match and quite frankly has not looked back since. I think that, although we have a very sophisticated back-up team at our Academy including sports psychologists, their coaching advice is often too complex and ambiguous to be absorbed by young minds. I think that by adding Big Fat George to the coaching team some issues with the young players could be better and more effectively communicated.

There is no need for Saints to recruit Big Fat George, the players get pretty much the same advice every time they get in a taxi. Mind you, what with the Lads' preference for expensive tonsurial creations these days, they miss the solid, grounded, good, old fashioned feedback advice they used to get from good, old fashioned barbers (it was enough for George O'Brien, it should be good enough for Calum Chambers!). And, in return, we who prefer a good old fashioned “back and sides” miss out on the good, old fashioned, totally inaccurate gossip. I tried a popular “salon” once and all I found out is where David Hirst bought his shirts.

[quote][p][bold]Confucious[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Dave Juson[/bold] wrote:
I do believe that what Mr Leitch is trying to explain, with much circumlocution to avoid admitting the Saints Academy is both exemplary and exceptional , is that Mauricio Pochettino’s tactics, including Adam Lallana’s role within his team, are similar to the system played by Jan Poortvliet.
It would be interesting to know who “[t]he youth coaches of the day, who deserve so much of the credit for the player he [Adam] has become” actually were; and why Leitch believes they are unworthy of mention?[/p][/quote]Agreed. Indeed I am rather annoyed that this article has not mentioned "Big Fat George" who, as I explained to Mr Leitch via a recent e mail, played a crucial role in Adam Lallana's development.
Big Fat George sits two rows behind me in the Kingsland. He's very mouthy indeed and I distinctly recall this being displayed at a home match against Plymouth in the ill-fated 2008/9 season. Adam was ****-footying around a lot and kept getting pushed off the ball and then laying on the grass seething with self-pity and looking for a foul, which was never awarded.
Anyhow, on one such occasion, Big Fat George, albeit clearly the worse for several pints, ran down to the pitchside barrier and with his booming voice shouted at Adam: "Lallana - get your fukcing thumb out your @rse yer dozy tw@t-faced useless wet lump of sh!te."
I thought at the time, this particular analysis of Adam's performance and this robust style of exhortation for improvement was very unlikely to help the lad. However, he improved very markedly afterwards in that match and quite frankly has not looked back since.
I think that, although we have a very sophisticated back-up team at our Academy including sports psychologists, their coaching advice is often too complex and ambiguous to be absorbed by young minds. I think that by adding Big Fat George to the coaching team some issues with the young players could be better and more effectively communicated.[/p][/quote]There is no need for Saints to recruit Big Fat George, the players get pretty much the same advice every time they get in a taxi. Mind you, what with the Lads' preference for expensive tonsurial creations these days, they miss the solid, grounded, good, old fashioned feedback advice they used to get from good, old fashioned barbers (it was enough for George O'Brien, it should be good enough for Calum Chambers!). And, in return, we who prefer a good old fashioned “back and sides” miss out on the good, old fashioned, totally inaccurate gossip.
I tried a popular “salon” once and all I found out is where David Hirst bought his shirts.Dave Juson

Confucious wrote…

Dave Juson wrote…

I do believe that what Mr Leitch is trying to explain, with much circumlocution to avoid admitting the Saints Academy is both exemplary and exceptional , is that Mauricio Pochettino’s tactics, including Adam Lallana’s role within his team, are similar to the system played by Jan Poortvliet. It would be interesting to know who “[t]he youth coaches of the day, who deserve so much of the credit for the player he [Adam] has become” actually were; and why Leitch believes they are unworthy of mention?

Agreed. Indeed I am rather annoyed that this article has not mentioned "Big Fat George" who, as I explained to Mr Leitch via a recent e mail, played a crucial role in Adam Lallana's development. Big Fat George sits two rows behind me in the Kingsland. He's very mouthy indeed and I distinctly recall this being displayed at a home match against Plymouth in the ill-fated 2008/9 season. Adam was ****-footying around a lot and kept getting pushed off the ball and then laying on the grass seething with self-pity and looking for a foul, which was never awarded. Anyhow, on one such occasion, Big Fat George, albeit clearly the worse for several pints, ran down to the pitchside barrier and with his booming voice shouted at Adam: "Lallana - get your fukcing thumb out your @rse yer dozy tw@t-faced useless wet lump of sh!te." I thought at the time, this particular analysis of Adam's performance and this robust style of exhortation for improvement was very unlikely to help the lad. However, he improved very markedly afterwards in that match and quite frankly has not looked back since. I think that, although we have a very sophisticated back-up team at our Academy including sports psychologists, their coaching advice is often too complex and ambiguous to be absorbed by young minds. I think that by adding Big Fat George to the coaching team some issues with the young players could be better and more effectively communicated.

There is no need for Saints to recruit Big Fat George, the players get pretty much the same advice every time they get in a taxi. Mind you, what with the Lads' preference for expensive tonsurial creations these days, they miss the solid, grounded, good, old fashioned feedback advice they used to get from good, old fashioned barbers (it was enough for George O'Brien, it should be good enough for Calum Chambers!). And, in return, we who prefer a good old fashioned “back and sides” miss out on the good, old fashioned, totally inaccurate gossip. I tried a popular “salon” once and all I found out is where David Hirst bought his shirts.

Score: 5

Sainty saint saint says...11:54am Fri 7 Mar 14

I don't have a major problem with Wilshire... I think he can sometimes do alright in fact. I do, however, have a problem with Cleverley, Henderson, Smalling, Jones, Welbeck, Milner, and probably some others getting picked over more deserving, better performing players who happen to not play for one of the 'big teams' (although whether Man Utd can really be called that at the moment is another matter). I also have a problem with the media (and the management) suggesting that Rooney is a shoo-in and the man that MUST start. I really don't get it at all, he's never performed on the big stage. And I don't get the management making other players play out of position just to accommodate Rooney.

I don't have a major problem with Wilshire... I think he can sometimes do alright in fact.
I do, however, have a problem with Cleverley, Henderson, Smalling, Jones, Welbeck, Milner, and probably some others getting picked over more deserving, better performing players who happen to not play for one of the 'big teams' (although whether Man Utd can really be called that at the moment is another matter).
I also have a problem with the media (and the management) suggesting that Rooney is a shoo-in and the man that MUST start. I really don't get it at all, he's never performed on the big stage. And I don't get the management making other players play out of position just to accommodate Rooney.Sainty saint saint

I don't have a major problem with Wilshire... I think he can sometimes do alright in fact. I do, however, have a problem with Cleverley, Henderson, Smalling, Jones, Welbeck, Milner, and probably some others getting picked over more deserving, better performing players who happen to not play for one of the 'big teams' (although whether Man Utd can really be called that at the moment is another matter). I also have a problem with the media (and the management) suggesting that Rooney is a shoo-in and the man that MUST start. I really don't get it at all, he's never performed on the big stage. And I don't get the management making other players play out of position just to accommodate Rooney.

Score: 14

killared says...12:42pm Fri 7 Mar 14

Sainty saint saint wrote…

I don't have a major problem with Wilshire... I think he can sometimes do alright in fact. I do, however, have a problem with Cleverley, Henderson, Smalling, Jones, Welbeck, Milner, and probably some others getting picked over more deserving, better performing players who happen to not play for one of the 'big teams' (although whether Man Utd can really be called that at the moment is another matter). I also have a problem with the media (and the management) suggesting that Rooney is a shoo-in and the man that MUST start. I really don't get it at all, he's never performed on the big stage. And I don't get the management making other players play out of position just to accommodate Rooney.

Spot on !

[quote][p][bold]Sainty saint saint[/bold] wrote:
I don't have a major problem with Wilshire... I think he can sometimes do alright in fact.
I do, however, have a problem with Cleverley, Henderson, Smalling, Jones, Welbeck, Milner, and probably some others getting picked over more deserving, better performing players who happen to not play for one of the 'big teams' (although whether Man Utd can really be called that at the moment is another matter).
I also have a problem with the media (and the management) suggesting that Rooney is a shoo-in and the man that MUST start. I really don't get it at all, he's never performed on the big stage. And I don't get the management making other players play out of position just to accommodate Rooney.[/p][/quote]Spot on !killared

Sainty saint saint wrote…

I don't have a major problem with Wilshire... I think he can sometimes do alright in fact. I do, however, have a problem with Cleverley, Henderson, Smalling, Jones, Welbeck, Milner, and probably some others getting picked over more deserving, better performing players who happen to not play for one of the 'big teams' (although whether Man Utd can really be called that at the moment is another matter). I also have a problem with the media (and the management) suggesting that Rooney is a shoo-in and the man that MUST start. I really don't get it at all, he's never performed on the big stage. And I don't get the management making other players play out of position just to accommodate Rooney.

Spot on !

Score: 8

Velleity says...1:52pm Fri 7 Mar 14

SFC4EVA wrote…

Driving into work this morning listening to talksport. They started a feature saying "every time we pin our world cup hopes on a player he gets injured" turns out they were talking about Jack Wiltshire!! Thought I was hearing things but NO they were talking about Wiltshire being the man to carry England in Brazil!! Personally I don't rate him for England and think he's over-rated even for Arsenal. In the friendly on Wednesday he was terrible. They were also saying the tackle from Agger was awful. I couldn't see anything wrong with it. His first touch made the ball 50/50 there for the taking and from the replays Wiltshire kick Agger's studs after Agger had taken the ball. Sometime wonder what games these "presenters" live in. I know I'm biased but I'd rather see Adam in the starting line-up over Wiltshire. He brings something different and unpredictable to the team. The opposition won't know how to deal with it. Just my thoughts.

If you want a laugh at Wilshere's expense, you could do worse than looking at: http://gifboom.com/x /635726da - it just gets funnier and funnier the more times you watch it and see the detail. Be warned, you won't laugh with Wilshere, you'll laugh AT him. I've seen it a hundred times and I still snort.

[quote][p][bold]SFC4EVA[/bold] wrote:
Driving into work this morning listening to talksport. They started a feature saying "every time we pin our world cup hopes on a player he gets injured" turns out they were talking about Jack Wiltshire!! Thought I was hearing things but NO they were talking about Wiltshire being the man to carry England in Brazil!!
Personally I don't rate him for England and think he's over-rated even for Arsenal. In the friendly on Wednesday he was terrible.
They were also saying the tackle from Agger was awful. I couldn't see anything wrong with it. His first touch made the ball 50/50 there for the taking and from the replays Wiltshire kick Agger's studs after Agger had taken the ball. Sometime wonder what games these "presenters" live in.
I know I'm biased but I'd rather see Adam in the starting line-up over Wiltshire. He brings something different and unpredictable to the team. The opposition won't know how to deal with it.
Just my thoughts.[/p][/quote]If you want a laugh at Wilshere's expense, you could do worse than looking at: http://gifboom.com/x
/635726da - it just gets funnier and funnier the more times you watch it and see the detail.
Be warned, you won't laugh with Wilshere, you'll laugh AT him. I've seen it a hundred times and I still snort.Velleity

SFC4EVA wrote…

Driving into work this morning listening to talksport. They started a feature saying "every time we pin our world cup hopes on a player he gets injured" turns out they were talking about Jack Wiltshire!! Thought I was hearing things but NO they were talking about Wiltshire being the man to carry England in Brazil!! Personally I don't rate him for England and think he's over-rated even for Arsenal. In the friendly on Wednesday he was terrible. They were also saying the tackle from Agger was awful. I couldn't see anything wrong with it. His first touch made the ball 50/50 there for the taking and from the replays Wiltshire kick Agger's studs after Agger had taken the ball. Sometime wonder what games these "presenters" live in. I know I'm biased but I'd rather see Adam in the starting line-up over Wiltshire. He brings something different and unpredictable to the team. The opposition won't know how to deal with it. Just my thoughts.

If you want a laugh at Wilshere's expense, you could do worse than looking at: http://gifboom.com/x /635726da - it just gets funnier and funnier the more times you watch it and see the detail. Be warned, you won't laugh with Wilshere, you'll laugh AT him. I've seen it a hundred times and I still snort.

Score: -2

Velleity says...1:52pm Fri 7 Mar 14

http://gifboom.com/x /635726da Hopefully link less split.

http://gifboom.com/x
/635726da
Hopefully link less split.Velleity

http://gifboom.com/x /635726da Hopefully link less split.

Score: 0

Velleity says...1:52pm Fri 7 Mar 14

Nope

NopeVelleity

Nope

Score: -1

right back in the bar says...3:00pm Fri 7 Mar 14

Fact is England were awful until Shaw and Lallana came on. In Hodgson we are saddled with a singularly unimaginative manager- just ask any Liverpool fan; they hated him. And with England he nailed his colours to the mast early on in his tenure by going with players from the big four. Quite a few of those are turning out to be outright failures especially the Man U bunch and the so called stars (who don't even have to think about impressing him) just keep getting picked even when they are playing badly. Rooney should be dropped; Wilshire is absolutely hopeless and falls over if someone so much as breathes on him; claiming Henderson, Smalling, Cleverly, Jones, Johnson are internationals is laughable. The squad needs a wholesale overhaul but Hodgson just appears confused. Lallana, Lambert, and Shaw should be outright certainties (Clyne would have been in the reckoning if our manager had picked him); JRod is the best English striker after Sturridge on goals scored. Under ordinary circumstances all of them would be likely to go but we are lumbered with Roy Hodgson.

Fact is England were awful until Shaw and Lallana came on. In Hodgson we are saddled with a singularly unimaginative manager- just ask any Liverpool fan; they hated him. And with England he nailed his colours to the mast early on in his tenure by going with players from the big four. Quite a few of those are turning out to be outright failures especially the Man U bunch and the so called stars (who don't even have to think about impressing him) just keep getting picked even when they are playing badly. Rooney should be dropped; Wilshire is absolutely hopeless and falls over if someone so much as breathes on him; claiming Henderson, Smalling, Cleverly, Jones, Johnson are internationals is laughable. The squad needs a wholesale overhaul but Hodgson just appears confused. Lallana, Lambert, and Shaw should be outright certainties (Clyne would have been in the reckoning if our manager had picked him); JRod is the best English striker after Sturridge on goals scored. Under ordinary circumstances all of them would be likely to go but we are lumbered with Roy Hodgson.right back in the bar

Fact is England were awful until Shaw and Lallana came on. In Hodgson we are saddled with a singularly unimaginative manager- just ask any Liverpool fan; they hated him. And with England he nailed his colours to the mast early on in his tenure by going with players from the big four. Quite a few of those are turning out to be outright failures especially the Man U bunch and the so called stars (who don't even have to think about impressing him) just keep getting picked even when they are playing badly. Rooney should be dropped; Wilshire is absolutely hopeless and falls over if someone so much as breathes on him; claiming Henderson, Smalling, Cleverly, Jones, Johnson are internationals is laughable. The squad needs a wholesale overhaul but Hodgson just appears confused. Lallana, Lambert, and Shaw should be outright certainties (Clyne would have been in the reckoning if our manager had picked him); JRod is the best English striker after Sturridge on goals scored. Under ordinary circumstances all of them would be likely to go but we are lumbered with Roy Hodgson.

Score: 2

SFC4EVA says...3:34pm Fri 7 Mar 14

@velleity....love it!

@velleity....love it!SFC4EVA

@velleity....love it!

Score: 1

killared says...3:50pm Fri 7 Mar 14

right back in the bar wrote…

Fact is England were awful until Shaw and Lallana came on. In Hodgson we are saddled with a singularly unimaginative manager- just ask any Liverpool fan; they hated him. And with England he nailed his colours to the mast early on in his tenure by going with players from the big four. Quite a few of those are turning out to be outright failures especially the Man U bunch and the so called stars (who don't even have to think about impressing him) just keep getting picked even when they are playing badly. Rooney should be dropped; Wilshire is absolutely hopeless and falls over if someone so much as breathes on him; claiming Henderson, Smalling, Cleverly, Jones, Johnson are internationals is laughable. The squad needs a wholesale overhaul but Hodgson just appears confused. Lallana, Lambert, and Shaw should be outright certainties (Clyne would have been in the reckoning if our manager had picked him); JRod is the best English striker after Sturridge on goals scored. Under ordinary circumstances all of them would be likely to go but we are lumbered with Roy Hodgson.

England are Shiite full stop ! Even if you change manager the team still be awful !. The best English manager is Pardew but he's crazy now and it's certainly not Redknapp. So you'll see England will never win a major trophy not for the next 25 years. I think they should send the kids in Brazil yes they will lose badly there but at least they'll get experience. I just hope the media won't hype up England because we all know that they not been good for a longtime and at every tournament it's the same Shiite they will win and all that ! But in the end it all end in tears and laughter

[quote][p][bold]right back in the bar[/bold] wrote:
Fact is England were awful until Shaw and Lallana came on. In Hodgson we are saddled with a singularly unimaginative manager- just ask any Liverpool fan; they hated him. And with England he nailed his colours to the mast early on in his tenure by going with players from the big four. Quite a few of those are turning out to be outright failures especially the Man U bunch and the so called stars (who don't even have to think about impressing him) just keep getting picked even when they are playing badly. Rooney should be dropped; Wilshire is absolutely hopeless and falls over if someone so much as breathes on him; claiming Henderson, Smalling, Cleverly, Jones, Johnson are internationals is laughable. The squad needs a wholesale overhaul but Hodgson just appears confused. Lallana, Lambert, and Shaw should be outright certainties (Clyne would have been in the reckoning if our manager had picked him); JRod is the best English striker after Sturridge on goals scored. Under ordinary circumstances all of them would be likely to go but we are lumbered with Roy Hodgson.[/p][/quote]England are Shiite full stop ! Even if you change manager the team still be awful !. The best English manager is Pardew but he's crazy now and it's certainly not Redknapp. So you'll see England will never win a major trophy not for the next 25 years. I think they should send the kids in Brazil yes they will lose badly there but at least they'll get experience. I just hope the media won't hype up England because we all know that they not been good for a longtime and at every tournament it's the same Shiite they will win and all that ! But in the end it all end in tears and laughterkillared

right back in the bar wrote…

Fact is England were awful until Shaw and Lallana came on. In Hodgson we are saddled with a singularly unimaginative manager- just ask any Liverpool fan; they hated him. And with England he nailed his colours to the mast early on in his tenure by going with players from the big four. Quite a few of those are turning out to be outright failures especially the Man U bunch and the so called stars (who don't even have to think about impressing him) just keep getting picked even when they are playing badly. Rooney should be dropped; Wilshire is absolutely hopeless and falls over if someone so much as breathes on him; claiming Henderson, Smalling, Cleverly, Jones, Johnson are internationals is laughable. The squad needs a wholesale overhaul but Hodgson just appears confused. Lallana, Lambert, and Shaw should be outright certainties (Clyne would have been in the reckoning if our manager had picked him); JRod is the best English striker after Sturridge on goals scored. Under ordinary circumstances all of them would be likely to go but we are lumbered with Roy Hodgson.

England are Shiite full stop ! Even if you change manager the team still be awful !. The best English manager is Pardew but he's crazy now and it's certainly not Redknapp. So you'll see England will never win a major trophy not for the next 25 years. I think they should send the kids in Brazil yes they will lose badly there but at least they'll get experience. I just hope the media won't hype up England because we all know that they not been good for a longtime and at every tournament it's the same Shiite they will win and all that ! But in the end it all end in tears and laughter

Score: 0

There's only one 'H' in 'Ampshire says...4:26pm Fri 7 Mar 14

I'm kinda hopeful it will be slowly dawning on Woy that the Man U players are distinctly average - look at their performance against the Olympiacos I wouldn't take a singe man u players and especially not Rooney who exudes a negative air

I'm kinda hopeful it will be slowly dawning on Woy that the Man U players are distinctly average - look at their performance against the Olympiacos
I wouldn't take a singe man u players and especially not Rooney who exudes a negative airThere's only one 'H' in 'Ampshire

I'm kinda hopeful it will be slowly dawning on Woy that the Man U players are distinctly average - look at their performance against the Olympiacos I wouldn't take a singe man u players and especially not Rooney who exudes a negative air

Score: 5

Rickie&Adz14 says...4:39pm Fri 7 Mar 14

Ok, so I agree with near on everything being said on here today. But I just want to point out a few things...albeit I totally agree that Rooney should not be considered a dead cert to start in Brazil, to suggest he has never done it in a major tournament is a little harsh! I remember a cert Euro's where he burst on the scene for England and was simply unplayable. That said...not anymore Wayne! Let's stick Sturridge up top and see how that plays out. As for jack Wiltshire, this kid has bags of potential to be a leading light fr England, unfortunately he has an ego and childishness to match. Until that's resolved, we won't see much to shout about from him. Onto Adam. Make no bones about it, the boy is in Woy's dreams at night! And he is creating the magic for England at Brazil this year, trust me! I am willing to bet my girlfriend (to the highest bidder) that Adam has a starting spot booked in Brazil! A slight personal one for me here...of the list of recently called up (top four) youngsters being slated, please leave off of Henderson! This boy has more than justified his inclusion...for Liverpool recently he has been absolutely crucial, and England will benefit massively from his inclusion. Finally, Rickie is going, but I'm afraid Jay has some work to do! No one can honestly say that he has been inspirational this year? He is quite simply a terrifying prospect, and will no doubt be a very decent England international in future years, but this season, amoungst the good he has done, he must have missed about a 100 very good chances! This is just experience, and one day very soon he will be a 20 goal a season striker (with ease). But Brazil this year? Unless he matures in the next few months, I don't think it'll be his time. Let's see how that post goes down lol

Ok, so I agree with near on everything being said on here today. But I just want to point out a few things...albeit I totally agree that Rooney should not be considered a dead cert to start in Brazil, to suggest he has never done it in a major tournament is a little harsh! I remember a cert Euro's where he burst on the scene for England and was simply unplayable. That said...not anymore Wayne! Let's stick Sturridge up top and see how that plays out.
As for jack Wiltshire, this kid has bags of potential to be a leading light fr England, unfortunately he has an ego and childishness to match. Until that's resolved, we won't see much to shout about from him.
Onto Adam. Make no bones about it, the boy is in Woy's dreams at night! And he is creating the magic for England at Brazil this year, trust me! I am willing to bet my girlfriend (to the highest bidder) that Adam has a starting spot booked in Brazil!
A slight personal one for me here...of the list of recently called up (top four) youngsters being slated, please leave off of Henderson! This boy has more than justified his inclusion...for Liverpool recently he has been absolutely crucial, and England will benefit massively from his inclusion.
Finally, Rickie is going, but I'm afraid Jay has some work to do! No one can honestly say that he has been inspirational this year? He is quite simply a terrifying prospect, and will no doubt be a very decent England international in future years, but this season, amoungst the good he has done, he must have missed about a 100 very good chances! This is just experience, and one day very soon he will be a 20 goal a season striker (with ease). But Brazil this year? Unless he matures in the next few months, I don't think it'll be his time.
Let's see how that post goes down lolRickie&Adz14

Ok, so I agree with near on everything being said on here today. But I just want to point out a few things...albeit I totally agree that Rooney should not be considered a dead cert to start in Brazil, to suggest he has never done it in a major tournament is a little harsh! I remember a cert Euro's where he burst on the scene for England and was simply unplayable. That said...not anymore Wayne! Let's stick Sturridge up top and see how that plays out. As for jack Wiltshire, this kid has bags of potential to be a leading light fr England, unfortunately he has an ego and childishness to match. Until that's resolved, we won't see much to shout about from him. Onto Adam. Make no bones about it, the boy is in Woy's dreams at night! And he is creating the magic for England at Brazil this year, trust me! I am willing to bet my girlfriend (to the highest bidder) that Adam has a starting spot booked in Brazil! A slight personal one for me here...of the list of recently called up (top four) youngsters being slated, please leave off of Henderson! This boy has more than justified his inclusion...for Liverpool recently he has been absolutely crucial, and England will benefit massively from his inclusion. Finally, Rickie is going, but I'm afraid Jay has some work to do! No one can honestly say that he has been inspirational this year? He is quite simply a terrifying prospect, and will no doubt be a very decent England international in future years, but this season, amoungst the good he has done, he must have missed about a 100 very good chances! This is just experience, and one day very soon he will be a 20 goal a season striker (with ease). But Brazil this year? Unless he matures in the next few months, I don't think it'll be his time. Let's see how that post goes down lol

Score: 4

There's only one 'H' in 'Ampshire says...5:13pm Fri 7 Mar 14

Rickie&Adz14 wrote…

Ok, so I agree with near on everything being said on here today. But I just want to point out a few things...albeit I totally agree that Rooney should not be considered a dead cert to start in Brazil, to suggest he has never done it in a major tournament is a little harsh! I remember a cert Euro's where he burst on the scene for England and was simply unplayable. That said...not anymore Wayne! Let's stick Sturridge up top and see how that plays out. As for jack Wiltshire, this kid has bags of potential to be a leading light fr England, unfortunately he has an ego and childishness to match. Until that's resolved, we won't see much to shout about from him. Onto Adam. Make no bones about it, the boy is in Woy's dreams at night! And he is creating the magic for England at Brazil this year, trust me! I am willing to bet my girlfriend (to the highest bidder) that Adam has a starting spot booked in Brazil! A slight personal one for me here...of the list of recently called up (top four) youngsters being slated, please leave off of Henderson! This boy has more than justified his inclusion...for Liverpool recently he has been absolutely crucial, and England will benefit massively from his inclusion. Finally, Rickie is going, but I'm afraid Jay has some work to do! No one can honestly say that he has been inspirational this year? He is quite simply a terrifying prospect, and will no doubt be a very decent England international in future years, but this season, amoungst the good he has done, he must have missed about a 100 very good chances! This is just experience, and one day very soon he will be a 20 goal a season striker (with ease). But Brazil this year? Unless he matures in the next few months, I don't think it'll be his time. Let's see how that post goes down lol

£10

[quote][p][bold]Rickie&Adz14[/bold] wrote:
Ok, so I agree with near on everything being said on here today. But I just want to point out a few things...albeit I totally agree that Rooney should not be considered a dead cert to start in Brazil, to suggest he has never done it in a major tournament is a little harsh! I remember a cert Euro's where he burst on the scene for England and was simply unplayable. That said...not anymore Wayne! Let's stick Sturridge up top and see how that plays out.
As for jack Wiltshire, this kid has bags of potential to be a leading light fr England, unfortunately he has an ego and childishness to match. Until that's resolved, we won't see much to shout about from him.
Onto Adam. Make no bones about it, the boy is in Woy's dreams at night! And he is creating the magic for England at Brazil this year, trust me! I am willing to bet my girlfriend (to the highest bidder) that Adam has a starting spot booked in Brazil!
A slight personal one for me here...of the list of recently called up (top four) youngsters being slated, please leave off of Henderson! This boy has more than justified his inclusion...for Liverpool recently he has been absolutely crucial, and England will benefit massively from his inclusion.
Finally, Rickie is going, but I'm afraid Jay has some work to do! No one can honestly say that he has been inspirational this year? He is quite simply a terrifying prospect, and will no doubt be a very decent England international in future years, but this season, amoungst the good he has done, he must have missed about a 100 very good chances! This is just experience, and one day very soon he will be a 20 goal a season striker (with ease). But Brazil this year? Unless he matures in the next few months, I don't think it'll be his time.
Let's see how that post goes down lol[/p][/quote]£10There's only one 'H' in 'Ampshire

Rickie&Adz14 wrote…

Ok, so I agree with near on everything being said on here today. But I just want to point out a few things...albeit I totally agree that Rooney should not be considered a dead cert to start in Brazil, to suggest he has never done it in a major tournament is a little harsh! I remember a cert Euro's where he burst on the scene for England and was simply unplayable. That said...not anymore Wayne! Let's stick Sturridge up top and see how that plays out. As for jack Wiltshire, this kid has bags of potential to be a leading light fr England, unfortunately he has an ego and childishness to match. Until that's resolved, we won't see much to shout about from him. Onto Adam. Make no bones about it, the boy is in Woy's dreams at night! And he is creating the magic for England at Brazil this year, trust me! I am willing to bet my girlfriend (to the highest bidder) that Adam has a starting spot booked in Brazil! A slight personal one for me here...of the list of recently called up (top four) youngsters being slated, please leave off of Henderson! This boy has more than justified his inclusion...for Liverpool recently he has been absolutely crucial, and England will benefit massively from his inclusion. Finally, Rickie is going, but I'm afraid Jay has some work to do! No one can honestly say that he has been inspirational this year? He is quite simply a terrifying prospect, and will no doubt be a very decent England international in future years, but this season, amoungst the good he has done, he must have missed about a 100 very good chances! This is just experience, and one day very soon he will be a 20 goal a season striker (with ease). But Brazil this year? Unless he matures in the next few months, I don't think it'll be his time. Let's see how that post goes down lol

£10

Score: 3

warrens 76 says...6:07pm Fri 7 Mar 14

I agree with much the writer has said but ffs leave looney Rooney out of it...we are better without him..let SRL do his ting man.

I agree with much the writer has said but ffs leave looney Rooney out of it...we are better without him..let SRL do his ting man.warrens 76

I agree with much the writer has said but ffs leave looney Rooney out of it...we are better without him..let SRL do his ting man.

Score: 6

Rickie&Adz14 says...9:40pm Fri 7 Mar 14

There's only one 'H' in 'Ampshire wrote…

Rickie&Adz14 wrote…

Ok, so I agree with near on everything being said on here today. But I just want to point out a few things...albeit I totally agree that Rooney should not be considered a dead cert to start in Brazil, to suggest he has never done it in a major tournament is a little harsh! I remember a cert Euro's where he burst on the scene for England and was simply unplayable. That said...not anymore Wayne! Let's stick Sturridge up top and see how that plays out. As for jack Wiltshire, this kid has bags of potential to be a leading light fr England, unfortunately he has an ego and childishness to match. Until that's resolved, we won't see much to shout about from him. Onto Adam. Make no bones about it, the boy is in Woy's dreams at night! And he is creating the magic for England at Brazil this year, trust me! I am willing to bet my girlfriend (to the highest bidder) that Adam has a starting spot booked in Brazil! A slight personal one for me here...of the list of recently called up (top four) youngsters being slated, please leave off of Henderson! This boy has more than justified his inclusion...for Liverpool recently he has been absolutely crucial, and England will benefit massively from his inclusion. Finally, Rickie is going, but I'm afraid Jay has some work to do! No one can honestly say that he has been inspirational this year? He is quite simply a terrifying prospect, and will no doubt be a very decent England international in future years, but this season, amoungst the good he has done, he must have missed about a 100 very good chances! This is just experience, and one day very soon he will be a 20 goal a season striker (with ease). But Brazil this year? Unless he matures in the next few months, I don't think it'll be his time. Let's see how that post goes down lol

£10

Jesus man! At least a £20?

[quote][p][bold]There's only one 'H' in 'Ampshire[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Rickie&Adz14[/bold] wrote: Ok, so I agree with near on everything being said on here today. But I just want to point out a few things...albeit I totally agree that Rooney should not be considered a dead cert to start in Brazil, to suggest he has never done it in a major tournament is a little harsh! I remember a cert Euro's where he burst on the scene for England and was simply unplayable. That said...not anymore Wayne! Let's stick Sturridge up top and see how that plays out. As for jack Wiltshire, this kid has bags of potential to be a leading light fr England, unfortunately he has an ego and childishness to match. Until that's resolved, we won't see much to shout about from him. Onto Adam. Make no bones about it, the boy is in Woy's dreams at night! And he is creating the magic for England at Brazil this year, trust me! I am willing to bet my girlfriend (to the highest bidder) that Adam has a starting spot booked in Brazil! A slight personal one for me here...of the list of recently called up (top four) youngsters being slated, please leave off of Henderson! This boy has more than justified his inclusion...for Liverpool recently he has been absolutely crucial, and England will benefit massively from his inclusion. Finally, Rickie is going, but I'm afraid Jay has some work to do! No one can honestly say that he has been inspirational this year? He is quite simply a terrifying prospect, and will no doubt be a very decent England international in future years, but this season, amoungst the good he has done, he must have missed about a 100 very good chances! This is just experience, and one day very soon he will be a 20 goal a season striker (with ease). But Brazil this year? Unless he matures in the next few months, I don't think it'll be his time. Let's see how that post goes down lol[/p][/quote]£10[/p][/quote]Jesus man! At least a £20?Rickie&Adz14

There's only one 'H' in 'Ampshire wrote…

Rickie&Adz14 wrote…

Ok, so I agree with near on everything being said on here today. But I just want to point out a few things...albeit I totally agree that Rooney should not be considered a dead cert to start in Brazil, to suggest he has never done it in a major tournament is a little harsh! I remember a cert Euro's where he burst on the scene for England and was simply unplayable. That said...not anymore Wayne! Let's stick Sturridge up top and see how that plays out. As for jack Wiltshire, this kid has bags of potential to be a leading light fr England, unfortunately he has an ego and childishness to match. Until that's resolved, we won't see much to shout about from him. Onto Adam. Make no bones about it, the boy is in Woy's dreams at night! And he is creating the magic for England at Brazil this year, trust me! I am willing to bet my girlfriend (to the highest bidder) that Adam has a starting spot booked in Brazil! A slight personal one for me here...of the list of recently called up (top four) youngsters being slated, please leave off of Henderson! This boy has more than justified his inclusion...for Liverpool recently he has been absolutely crucial, and England will benefit massively from his inclusion. Finally, Rickie is going, but I'm afraid Jay has some work to do! No one can honestly say that he has been inspirational this year? He is quite simply a terrifying prospect, and will no doubt be a very decent England international in future years, but this season, amoungst the good he has done, he must have missed about a 100 very good chances! This is just experience, and one day very soon he will be a 20 goal a season striker (with ease). But Brazil this year? Unless he matures in the next few months, I don't think it'll be his time. Let's see how that post goes down lol

£10

Jesus man! At least a £20?

Score: -1

Velleity says...10:18pm Fri 7 Mar 14

There's only one 'H' in 'Ampshire wrote…

Rickie&Adz14 wrote…

Ok, so I agree with near on everything being said on here today. But I just want to point out a few things...albeit I totally agree that Rooney should not be considered a dead cert to start in Brazil, to suggest he has never done it in a major tournament is a little harsh! I remember a cert Euro's where he burst on the scene for England and was simply unplayable. That said...not anymore Wayne! Let's stick Sturridge up top and see how that plays out. As for jack Wiltshire, this kid has bags of potential to be a leading light fr England, unfortunately he has an ego and childishness to match. Until that's resolved, we won't see much to shout about from him. Onto Adam. Make no bones about it, the boy is in Woy's dreams at night! And he is creating the magic for England at Brazil this year, trust me! I am willing to bet my girlfriend (to the highest bidder) that Adam has a starting spot booked in Brazil! A slight personal one for me here...of the list of recently called up (top four) youngsters being slated, please leave off of Henderson! This boy has more than justified his inclusion...for Liverpool recently he has been absolutely crucial, and England will benefit massively from his inclusion. Finally, Rickie is going, but I'm afraid Jay has some work to do! No one can honestly say that he has been inspirational this year? He is quite simply a terrifying prospect, and will no doubt be a very decent England international in future years, but this season, amoungst the good he has done, he must have missed about a 100 very good chances! This is just experience, and one day very soon he will be a 20 goal a season striker (with ease). But Brazil this year? Unless he matures in the next few months, I don't think it'll be his time. Let's see how that post goes down lol

£10

I've seen her. £5.

[quote][p][bold]There's only one 'H' in 'Ampshire[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Rickie&Adz14[/bold] wrote:
Ok, so I agree with near on everything being said on here today. But I just want to point out a few things...albeit I totally agree that Rooney should not be considered a dead cert to start in Brazil, to suggest he has never done it in a major tournament is a little harsh! I remember a cert Euro's where he burst on the scene for England and was simply unplayable. That said...not anymore Wayne! Let's stick Sturridge up top and see how that plays out.
As for jack Wiltshire, this kid has bags of potential to be a leading light fr England, unfortunately he has an ego and childishness to match. Until that's resolved, we won't see much to shout about from him.
Onto Adam. Make no bones about it, the boy is in Woy's dreams at night! And he is creating the magic for England at Brazil this year, trust me! I am willing to bet my girlfriend (to the highest bidder) that Adam has a starting spot booked in Brazil!
A slight personal one for me here...of the list of recently called up (top four) youngsters being slated, please leave off of Henderson! This boy has more than justified his inclusion...for Liverpool recently he has been absolutely crucial, and England will benefit massively from his inclusion.
Finally, Rickie is going, but I'm afraid Jay has some work to do! No one can honestly say that he has been inspirational this year? He is quite simply a terrifying prospect, and will no doubt be a very decent England international in future years, but this season, amoungst the good he has done, he must have missed about a 100 very good chances! This is just experience, and one day very soon he will be a 20 goal a season striker (with ease). But Brazil this year? Unless he matures in the next few months, I don't think it'll be his time.
Let's see how that post goes down lol[/p][/quote]£10[/p][/quote]I've seen her. £5.Velleity

There's only one 'H' in 'Ampshire wrote…

Rickie&Adz14 wrote…

Ok, so I agree with near on everything being said on here today. But I just want to point out a few things...albeit I totally agree that Rooney should not be considered a dead cert to start in Brazil, to suggest he has never done it in a major tournament is a little harsh! I remember a cert Euro's where he burst on the scene for England and was simply unplayable. That said...not anymore Wayne! Let's stick Sturridge up top and see how that plays out. As for jack Wiltshire, this kid has bags of potential to be a leading light fr England, unfortunately he has an ego and childishness to match. Until that's resolved, we won't see much to shout about from him. Onto Adam. Make no bones about it, the boy is in Woy's dreams at night! And he is creating the magic for England at Brazil this year, trust me! I am willing to bet my girlfriend (to the highest bidder) that Adam has a starting spot booked in Brazil! A slight personal one for me here...of the list of recently called up (top four) youngsters being slated, please leave off of Henderson! This boy has more than justified his inclusion...for Liverpool recently he has been absolutely crucial, and England will benefit massively from his inclusion. Finally, Rickie is going, but I'm afraid Jay has some work to do! No one can honestly say that he has been inspirational this year? He is quite simply a terrifying prospect, and will no doubt be a very decent England international in future years, but this season, amoungst the good he has done, he must have missed about a 100 very good chances! This is just experience, and one day very soon he will be a 20 goal a season striker (with ease). But Brazil this year? Unless he matures in the next few months, I don't think it'll be his time. Let's see how that post goes down lol

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